Council endorses Fauna Park master plan

THE Kyabram Fauna Park will be northern Victoria’s premier wildlife park, if the current committee of management has anything to do with it.

At the most recent council meeting, Campaspe Shire councillors considered a report outlining the development of a master plan for the park, setting out its vision and four strategic pillars.

The master plan was developed based on community feedback and with the goal to get more people through the gates with better experiences and more animals.

Mayor Adrian Weston said the master plan was developed by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning committee of management following extensive community consultation and engagement.

“The master plan sets the vision for the park to be northern Victoria’s premier wildlife attraction,” he said.

“It aims to enhance the environs and fauna collection to ensure the park’s sustainability, while ensuring that it remains loved by locals and a must-see for visitors.”

As councillors were considering the item, Cr Vicki Neele commended the work of the committee.

“It has been a major attraction for locals and over the past years has seen declining visitor numbers,” she said.

“Some key items from consultation were more animals and a preference for native animals.

“The Ky locals truly appreciate the value of the park and I commend the committee of management and the Kyabram community for getting on board.”

Council also noted that it may be able to support the committee of management to develop some of the opportunities identified in the master plan.

“The master plan includes a large list of upgrades and proposed new developments, several of which will need to be thoroughly assessed in terms of feasibility and potential return on investment,” Cr Weston said.

“Significant capital investment will be required to achieve the master plan’s vision and we will continue to work with the committee of management and look at ways we might support it in the future.”

Council also expressed thanks to the committee of management for the opportunity to comment on its master plan and agreed the park had a promising future.

A further report regarding the proposed development of the drainage components of the Kyabram Fauna Park wetlands will be presented to a future council meeting.